The Acts Of St. Paul & Thecla.pdf (PDFy mirror)

THE ACTS OF

ST. PAUL & THECLA

Tertullian says that this piece was forged by a Presbyter of Asia, who being convicted, "con-
fessed that he did it out of respect to Paul," and Pope Gelasius, in his Decree against apo-
cryphal books, inserted it among them. Notwithstanding this, a large part of the history was
credited and looked upon as genuine among the primitive Christians. Cyprian, Eusebius, Epi-
phanius, Austin, Gregory, Nagiant^en. Chrysostom, and Severus Sulpitius, who all lived with -
in the fourth century mention Thecla or refer to her history. Basil of Seleucia wrote her acts,
sufferings and victories, in verse; and Euagrius S cholasticus an ecclesiastical historian, about
590, relates that "after the Emperor Zeno, had abdicated his empire, and Basilik had taken
possession of it, he had a vision of the holy and excellent martyr Thecla, who promised him
the restoration of his empire; for which, when it was brought about, he erected and dedicated a
most noble and sumptuous temple to this famous martyr, Thecla, at Seleucia, a city of Isauria,
and bestowed upon it very noble endowments, which (says the author) are preserved even till
this day." Hist. Ecel. lib. 3 cap. 8. — Cardinal Barenius, Tocrinus, Archbishop Wake, and
others; and also the learned Grabe, who edited the Septuagint, and revived the Acts of Paul
and Thecla, consider them as having been written in the Apostolic age; as containing nothing
superstitious, or disagreeing from the opinions and belief of those times; and, in short, as a
genuine and authentic history. Again, it is said, that this is not the original book of the early
Christians; but however that may be, it is published from the Greek MS. in the Bodlian Eib-
rary at Oxford, which Dr. Mills copied and transmitted to Dr, Grabe.

The martyrdom of the holy and glorious
first Martyr and Apostle Thecla.

CHAPTER I.

/ Demas and Hermogenes become Paul's
companions. 4 Paul visits Onesiphorus. 8
Invited by Demos and Hermogenes. 1 1
Preaches to the household of Onesiphorus.
12 His sermon.

WHEN Paul went up to Iconium,
after his flight from Antioch, Demas
and Hermogenes became his com-
panions, who were then full of hypo-
crisy.

2 But Paul looking only at the good-
ness of God, did them no harm, but
loved them greatly.

3 Accordingly he endeavoured to
make agreeable to them all the or-
acles and doctrines of Christ, and
the design of the Gospel of God's
well-beloved son; instructing them in
the knowledge of Christ, as it was
revealed to him.

4 And a certain man named Onesi-
phorus, hearing that Paul was come
to Iconium, went out speedily to
meet him, together with his wife
Lectra, and his sons Simmia and
Zeno, to invite him to their house.

5 For Titus had given them a de-
scription of Paul's personage, they
as yet not knowing him in person,
but only being acquainted with his
character.

6 They went in the king's highway
to Lystra, and stood there waiting
for him, comparing all who passed
by with that description which Titus
had given them.

7 At length they saw a man coming
(namely Paul), of a low stature, bald
on the head; with crooked thighs,
handsome legs, hollow-eyes; and a
crooked nose; full of grace, for
sometimes he appeared as a man,
sometimes he had the countenance
of an angel. And Paul saw Onesi-

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phorus, and was glad.

8 And Onesiphorus said; Hail, thou
servant of the blessed God. Paul
replied, The grace of God be with
thee and thy family.

9 But Denies and Hermogenes were
moved with envy, and, under a show
of great religion, Demas said. And
are not we also servants of the
blessed God? Why didst thou not sa-
lute us?

10 Onesiphorus replied. Because I
have not perceived in you the fruits
of righteousness; nevertheless, if ye
are of that sort, ye shall be welcome
to my house also.

11 Then Paul went into the house of
Onesiphorus, and there was great joy
among the family on that account:
and they employed themselves in
prayer, breaking of bread, and hear-
ing Paul preach the word of God
concerning temperance and the re-
surrection, in the following manner:

12 Blessed are the pure in heart; for
they shall see God.

13 Blessed are they who keep their
flesh undefiled (or pure); for they
shall be the temple of God.

14 Blessed are the temperate (or
chaste); for God will reveal himself
to them.

15 Blessed are they who abandon
their worldly enjoyments; for they
shall be accepted of God.

16 Blessed are they who have wives,
as though they had them not; for
they shall be made angels of God.

17 Blessed are they who tremble at
the word of God; for they shall be
comforted.

18 Blessed are they who keep their
baptism pure; for they shall find
peace with the Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost.

19 Blessed are they who pursue the
wisdom or doctrine of Jesus Christ;
for they shall be called the sons of

the Most High.

20 Blessed are they who observe the
instructions of Jesus Christ; for they
shall dwell in eternal light.

21 Blessed are they, who for the
love of Christ abandon the glories
of the world, for they shall judge an-
gels, and be placed at the right hand
of Christ, and shall not suffer the
bitterness of the last judgment.

22 Blessed are the bodies and souls
of virgins; for they are acceptable to
God, and shall not lose the reward
of their virginity; for the word of
their (heavenly) Father shall prove
effectual to their salvation in the day
of his Son, and they shall enjoy rest
for evermore.

CHAPTER H.

/ Thecla listens anxiously to Paul's
preaching. 5 Thamjris, her admirer, con-
certs with Theoclia her mother to dissuade
her, 12 in vain. 14 Demas and Hermo-
genes vilify Paul to Thamjris.
WHILE Paul was preaching this ser-
mon in the church which was in the
house of Onesiphorus, a certain vir-
gin named Thecla (whose mother's
name was Theoclia, and who was be-
trothed to a man named Thamyris)
sat at a certain window in her house.

2 From whence, by the advantage of
a window in the house where Paul
was, she both night and day heard
Paul's sermons concerning God,
concerning charity, concerning faith
in Christ, and concerning prayer;

3 Nor would she depart from the
window, till with exceeding joy she
was subdued to the doctrines of
faith.

4 At length, when she saw many wo-
men and virgins going into Paul, she
earnestly desired that she might be
thought worthy to appear in his
presence, and hear the word of
Christ; for she had not yet seen

ST. PAUL

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Paul's person, but only heard his ser-
mons, and that alone.

5 But when she would not be pre-
vailed upon to depart from the win-
dow, her mother sent to Thamyris,
who came with the greatest pleasure,
as hoping now, to marry her. Ac-
cordingly he said to Theoclia, Where
is my Thecla?

6 Theoclia replied, Thamyris, I have
something very strange to tell you;
for Thecla, for the space of three
days, will not move from the win-
dow, not so much as to eat or drink,
but is so intent in hearing the artful
and delusive discourses of a certain
foreigner, that I perfectly wonder
Thamyris, that a young woman of
her known modesty, will suffer her-
self to be so prevailed upon.

7 For that man has disturbed the
whole city of Iconium, and even
your Thecla, among others. All the
women and young men flock to him
to receive his doctrine; who, besides
all the rest, tells them that there is
but one God, who alone is to be
worshipped, and that we ought to
live in chastity.

8 Notwithstanding this, my daughter
Thecla, like a spider's web fastened
to the window, is captivated, by the
discourses of Paul, and attends'
upon them with prodigious eager-
ness, and vast delight; and thus, by
attending on what he says, the young
woman is seduced. Now then do you
go, and speak to her, for she is be-
trothed to you.

9 Accordingly Thamyris went, and
having saluted her, and taking care
not to surprise her, he said, Thecla,
my spouse, why sittest thou in this
melancholy posture? What strange
impressions are made upon thee?
Turn to Thamyris, and blush.

10 Her mother also spake to her
after the same manner, and said.

Child, why dost thou sit so melan-
choly, and, like one astonished,
makest no reply?

11 Then they wept exceedingly,
Thamyris, that he had lost his
spouse; Theoclia, that she had lost
her daughter; and the maids, that
they had lost their mistress; and
there was an universal mourning in
the family.

12 But all these things made no im-
pression upon Thecla, so as to in-
cline her so much as to turn to them,
and take notice of them; for she still
regarded the discourses of Paul.

13 Then Thamyris ran forth into the
street to observe who they were that
went in to Paul, and came out from
him; and he saw two men engaged in
a very warm dispute, and said to
them;

14 Sirs, what business have you
here? and who is that man within,
belonging to you, who deludes the
minds of men, both young men and
virgins, persuading them, that they
ought not to marry, but continue as
they are?

15 I promise to give you a consider-
able sum, if ye will give me a just ac-
count of him; for I am the chief
person of this city.

16 Demas and Hermogenes replied,
We cannot so exactly tell who he is;
but this we know, that he deprives
young men of their (intended) wives,
and virgins of their (intended) hus-
bands, by teaching. There can be no
future resurrection, unless ye contin-
ue in chastity, and do not defile your
flesh.

CHAPTER III.
/ Tbej betray Paul. 7 Thamyris arrests
him with officers.

THEN said Thamyris, Come along
with me to my house, and refresh
yourselves. So they went to a very

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Splendid entertainment, where there
was wine in abundance, and very rich
provision.

2 They were brought to a table
richly spread, and made to drink
plentifully by Thamyris, on account
of the love he had for Thecla and
his desire to marry her.

3 Then Thamyris said, I desire ye
would inform me what the doctrines
of this Paul are, that I may under-
stand them; for I am under no small
concern about Thecla, seeing she so
delights in that stranger's discourses,
that I am in danger of losing my in-
tended wife.

4 Then Demas and Hermogenes
answered both together, and said,
Let him be brought before the gov-
ernor Castellius, as one who endeav-
ours to persuade the people into the
new religion of the Christians, and
he, according to the order of Caesar,
will put him to death, by which
means you will obtain your wife;

5 While we at the same time will
teach her, that the resurrection
which he speaks of is already come,
and consists in our having children;
and that we then arose again, when
we came to the knowledge of God.

6 Thamyris having this account
from them, was filled with hot re-
sentment:

7 And rising early in the morning he
went to the house of Onesiphorus,
attended by the magistrates, the Jail-
or, and a great multitude of people
with staves, and said to Paul;

8 Thou hast perverted the city of
Iconium, and among the rest,
Thecla, who is betrothed to me, so
that now she will not marry me.
Thou shalt therefore go with us to
the governor Castellius.

9 And all the multitude cried out,
Away with this imposter, for he has
perverted the minds of our wives.

and all the people hearken to him.

CHAPTER IV.
/ ^aul accused before the governor bj
Thamjris. 5 Defends himself. 9 Is com-
mitted to prison, 10 and visited bj
Thecla.

THEN Thamyris standing before
the governor's judgment-seat, spake
with a loud voice in the following
manner.

2 O governor, I know not whence
this man cometh; but he is one who
teaches that matrimony is unlawful.
Command him therefore to declare
before you for what reason he pub-
lishes such doctrines.

3 While he was saying thus, Demas
and Hermogenes (whispered to
Thamyris, and) said; Say that he is a
Christian, and he will presently be
put to death.

4 But the governor was more delib-
erate, and calling to Paul, he said.
Who art thou? What dost thou
teach? They seem to lay gross crimes
to thy charge.

5 Paul then spake with a loud voice,
saying, As I am now called to give an
account, O governor, of my doc-
trines, I desire your audience.

6 That God, who is a God of ven-
geance, and who strands in need of
nothing but the salvation of his
creatures, has sent me to reclaim
them from their wickedness, and
corruptions; from all (sinful) pleas-
ures, and from death; and to per-
suade them to sin no more.

7 On this account, God sent his Son
Jesus Christ, whom I preach, and in
whom I instruct men to place their
hopes, as that person who only had
such compassion on the deluded
world, that it might not, O governor,
be condemned, but have faith, the
fear of God, the knowlege of reli-
gion, and the love of truth.

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8 So that if I only teach those
things which I have received by rev-
elation from God, where is my
crime?

9 When the governor heard this, he
ordered Paul to be bound, and to be
put in prison, till he should be more
at leisure to hear him more fully.

10 But in the night, Thecla taking
off her ear-rings, gave them to the
turnkey of the prison, who then
opened the door to her, and let her
in;

11 And when she made a present of
a silver looking-glass to the jailor,
was allowed to go into the room
where Paul was; then she set down at
his feet, and heard from him the
great things of God.

12 And as she perceived Paul not to
be afraid of suffering, but that by di-
vine assistance he behaved himself
with courage, her faith so far in-
creased that she kissed his chains.

CHAPTER V.
/ Thecla sought and found bj her rela-
tions. 4 Brought with Paul before the gov-
ernor. 9 Ordered to be burnt, and Paul to
be whipt. 15 Thecla miraculously saved.

AT length Thecla was missed and
sought for by the family and by
Thamyris in every street, as though
she had been lost; till one of the
porter's fellow-servants told them,
that she had gone out in the night-
time.

2 Then they examined the porter,
and he told them, that she was gone
to the prison to the strange man.

3 They went therefore according to
his direction, and there found her;
and when they came out, they got a
mob together, and went and told the
governor all that had happened.

4 Upon which he ordered Paul to be
brought before his judgment seat.

5 Thecla in the mean time lay wal-

lowing on the ground in the prison,
in that same place where Paul had
sat to teach her; upon which the
governor also ordered her to be
brought before his judgment-seat;
which summons she received with
joy, and went.

6 When Paul was brought thither,
the mob with more vehemence cried
out. He is a magician, let him die.

7 Nevertheless the governor atten-
ded with pleasure upon Paul's dis-
courses of the holy works of Christ;
and, after a council called, he
summoned Thecla, and said to her,
Why do you not, according to the
law of the Iconians, marry Thamyr-
is?

8 She stood still, with her eyes fixed
upon Paul; and finding she made no
reply, Theoclia, her mother cried out
saying. Let the unjust creature be
burnt; let her be burnt in the midst
of the theatre, for refusing Thamyr-
is, that all women may learn from
her to avoid such practices.

9 Then the governor was exceed-
ingly concerned, and ordered Paul to
be whipt out of the city, and Thecla
to be burnt.

10 So the governor arose, and went
immediately into the theatre; and all
the people went forth to see the dis-
mal sight.

11 But Thecla, just as a lamb in the
wilderness looks every way to see his
shepherd, looked around for Paul;

12 And as she was looking upon the
multitude, she saw the Lord Jesus in
the likeness of Paul, and said to her-
self, Paul is come to see me in my
distressed circumstances. And she
fixed her eyes upon him; but he in-
stantly ascended up to heaven, while
she looked on him.

13 Then the young men and women
brought wood and straw for the
burning of Thecla; who being

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brought naked to the stake, extorted

tears from the governor, with sur-
prise beholding the greatness of her
beauty.

14 And when they had placed the

wood in order, the people com-
manded her to go upon it; which she
did, first making the sign of the
cross.

15 Then the people set fire to the
pile; though the flame was exceeding
large, it did not touch her; for God
took compassion on her, and caused
a great eruption from the earth be-
neath, and a cloud from above to
pour down great quantities of rain
and hail;

16 Insomuch that by the rupture of
the earth, very many were in great
danger, and some were killed, the
fire was extinguished, and Thecla
preserved.

CHAPTER VI.

/ Paul with Onesiphorus in a cave. 7
Thecla discovers Paul; 12 proffers to fol-
low him: 1 3 he exhorts her not for fear of
fornication.

IN the mean time Paul, together
with Onesiphorus, his wife and chil-
dren, was keeping a fast in a certain
cave, which was in the road from
Iconium to Daphne.

2 And when they had fasted for sev-
eral days, the children said to Paul,
Father, we are hungry, and have not
wherewithal to buy bread; for Onesi-
phorus had left all his substance to
follow Paul with his family.

3 Then Paul, taking off his coat,
said to the boy. Go, child, and buy
bread, and bring it hither.

4 But while the boy was buying the
bread, he saw his neighbour Thecla,
and was surprised, and said to her,
Thecla, where are you going?

5 She replied, I am in pursuit of
Paul, having been delivered from the

flames.

6 The boy then said, I will bring you
to him, for he is under great concern
on your account, and has been in
prayer and fasting these six days.

7 When Thecla came to the cave,
she found Paul upon his knees pray-
ing and saying, O holy Father, O
Lord Jesus Christ, grant that the fire
may not touch Thecla; but be her
helper, for she is thy servant.

8 Thecla then standing behind him,
cried out in the following words: O
sovereign Lord Creator of heaven
and earth, the Father of thy beloved
and holy Son, I praise thee that thou
hast preserved me from the fire, to
see Paul again.

9 Paul then arose, and when he saw
her, said, O God, who searchest the
heart, Father of my Lord Jesus
Christ, I praise thee that thou hast
answered my prayer.

10 And there prevailed among them
in the cave an entire affection to
each other; Paul, Onesiphorus, and
all that were with them being filled
with joy.

11 They had five loaves, some herbs
and water, and they solaced each
other in reflections upon the holy
works of Christ.

12 Then said Thecla to Paul, If you
be pleased with it, I will follow you
whithersoever you go.

13 He replied to her. Persons are
now much given to fornication, and
you being handsome, I am afraid lest
you should meet with greater
temptation than the former, and
should Not withstand, but be over-
come by it.

14 Thecla replied. Grant me only
the seal of Christ, and no temptation
shall affect me.

15 Paul answered, Thecla, wait with
patience, and you shall receive the
gift of Christ.

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CHAPTER VII.
/ Paul and Thecla go to A-ntioch. 2 A-l-
exander, a magistrate, falls in love with
Thecla: 4 kisses her by force: 5 she resists
him: 6 is carried before the governor, and
condemned to he thrown to wild beasts.

THEN Paul sent back Onesiphorus
and his family to their own home,
and taking Thecla along with him,
went for Antioch;

2 And as soon as they came in. to
the city, a certain Syrian, named Al-
exander, a magistrate in the city, who
had done many considerable services
for the city during his magistracy,
saw Thecla, and fell in love with her,
and endeavoured by many rich
presents to engage Paul in his in-
terest.

3 But Paul told him, I know not the
woman of whom you speak, nor does
she belong to me.

4 But he being a person of great
power in, Antioch, seized her in the
street and kissed her: which Thecla
would not bear, but looking about
for Paul, cried out in a distressed
loud tone. Force me not, who am a
stranger; force me not, who am a
servant of God; I am one of the
principal persons of Iconium, and
was obliged to leave that city be-
cause I would not be married to
Thamyris.

5 Then she laid hold on Alexander,
tore his coat, and took his crown off
his head, and made him appear ri-
diculous before all the people.

6 But Alexander, partly as he loved
her, and partly being ashamed of
what had been done, led her to the
governor, and upon her confession
of what she had done, he con-
demned her to be thrown among the
beasts.

CHAPTER VIII.

2 Thecla entertained bj Trifina; 3
brought out to the wild beasts; a she-lion
licks her feet. 5 Trifina upon a vision of
her deceased daughter, adopts Thecla, 1 1
who is taken to the amphitheatre again.
WHICH when the people saw, they
said: The judgments passed in this
city are unjust. But Thecla desired
the favour of the governor, that her
chastity might not be attacked, but
preserved till she should be cast to
the beasts.

2 The governor then inquired, Who
would entertain her; upon which a
certain very rich widow, named
Trifina, whose daughter was lately
dead, desired that she might have the
keeping of her; and she began to
treat her in her house as her own
daughter.

3 At length a day came, when the
beasts were to be brought forth to
be seen; and Thecla was brought to
the amphitheatre, and put into a den
in which was an exceeding fierce
she-lion, in the presence of a multi-
tude of spectators.

4 Trifina; without any surprise, ac-
companied Thecla, and the she-lion
licked the feet of Thecla. The title
written which denoted her crime,
was Sacrilege. Then the women cried
out, O God, the judgments of this
city are unrighteous.

5 After the beasts had been shown,
Trifina took Thecla home with her,
and they went to bed; and behold,
the daughter of Trifina, who was
dead, appeared to her mother, and
said; Mother, let the young woman,
Thecla, be reputed by you as your
daughter in my stead; and desire her
that she should pray for me, that I
may be translated to a state of hap-
piness.

6 Upon which Trifina, with a
mournful air, said. My daughter Fal-
conilla has appeared to me, and

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ordered me to receive you in her
room; wherefore I desire, Thecla,
that you would pray for my daughter,
that she may be translated into a
state of happiness, and to life etern-
al.

7 When Thecla heard this, she im-
mediately prayed to the Lord, and
said: O Lord God of heaven and
earth, Jesus Christ, thou Son of the
Most High, grant that her daughter
Falconilla may live forever. Trifina
hearing this, groaned again, and said:
O unrighteous judgments! O unreas-
onable wickedness! that such a
creature should (again) be cast to the
beasts!

8 On the morrow, at break of day,
Alexander came to Trifina's house,
and said: The governor and the
people are waiting; bring the crimin-
al forth.

9 But Trifina ran in so violently
upon him, that he was affrighted,
and ran away. Trifina was one of the
royal family; and she thus expressed
her sorrow, and said; Alas! I have
trouble in my house on two ac-
counts, and there is no one who will
relieve me, either under the loss of
my daughter, or my being unable to
save Thecla. But now, O Lord God,
be thou the helper of Thecla thy ser-
vant.

10 While she was thus engaged, the
governor sent one of his own of-
ficers to bring Thecla. Trifina took
her by the hand, and, going with her,
said: I went with Falconilla to her
grave, and now must go with Thecla
to the beasts.

11 When Thecla heard this, she
weeping prayed, and said: O Lord
God, whom I have made my confid-
ence and refuge, reward Trifina for
her compassion to me, and pre-
serving my chastity.
12 Upon this there was a great noise

in the amphitheatre; the beasts
roared, and the people cried out,
Bring in the criminal.

13 But the women cried out, and
said: Let the whole city suffer for
such crimes; and order all of us, O
governor, to the same punishment.
O unjust judgment! O cruel sight!

14 Others said, Let the whole city
be destroyed for this vile action. Kill
us all, O governor. O cruel sight! O
unrighteous judgment.

CHAPTER IX.
/ Thecla thrown naked to the wild beasts;
2 but they all refuse to attack her. 8 She
baptises herself in a pit of water. 10
Other wild beasts refuse to injure her. 1 1
Tied to wild bulls. 13 Miraculously
saved. 21. Ke leased. 24 Entertained bj
Trifina,

THEN Thecla was taken out of the
hand of Trifina, stripped naked, had
a girdle put on, and thrown into the
place appointed for fighting with the
beasts: and the lions and the bears
were let loose upon her.

2 But a she-lion, which was of all
the most fierce, ran to Thecla, and
fell down at her feet. Upon which
the multitude of women shouted
aloud.

3 Then a she-bear ran fiercely to-
wards her, but the she lion met the
bear, and tore it in pieces.

4 Again a he-lion, who had been
wont to devour men, and which be-
longed to Alexander, ran towards
her; but the she-lion encountered the
he-lion, and they killed each other.

5 Then the women were under a
greater concern, because the she-
lion, which had helped Thecla, was
dead.

6 Afterwards they brought out many
other wild beasts; but Thecla stood
with her hands stretched towards
heaven, and prayed; and when she

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had done praying, she turned about,

and saw a pit of water, and said,
Now it is a proper time for me to be
baptized.

7 Accordingly she threw herself
into the water, and said. In thy name,
O my Lord Jesus Christ, I am this
last day baptized. The women and
the people seeing this, cried out and
said. Do not throw yourself into the
water. And the governor himself
cried out, to think that the fish (sea-
calves) were like to devour so much
beauty.

8 Notwithstanding all this, Thecla
threw herself into the water, in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 But the fish (sea-calves) when
they saw the lightning and fire, were
killed, and swam dead upon the sur-
face of the water, and a cloud of fire
surrounded Thecla; so that as the
beasts could not come near her, so
the people could not see her naked-
ness.

10 Yet they turned other wild beasts
upon her; upon which they made a
very mournful outcry; and some of
them scattered spikenard, others cas-
sia, others amomus (a sort of
spikenard, or the herb of Jerusalem,
or ladies rose), others ointment; so
that the quantity of ointment was
large, in proportion to the number
of people; and upon this all the
beasts lay as though they had been
fast asleep, and did not touch
Thecla.

11 Whereupon Alexander said to the
governor, I have some very terrible
bulls; let us bind her to them. To
which the governor, with concern,
replied. You may do what you think
fit.

12 Then they put a cord round
Thecla's waist, which bound also her
feet, and with it tied her to the bulls,
to whose privy-parts they applied

red-hot irons, that so they being the

more tormented, might more viol-
ently drag Thecla about, till they had
killed her.

13 The bulls accordingly tore about,
making a most hideous noise; but the
flame which was about Thecla, burnt
off the cords which were fastened to
the members of the bulls, and she
stood in the middle of the stage, as
unconcerned as if she had not been
bound.

14 But in the mean time Trifina,
who sat upon one of the benches,
fainted away and died; upon which
the whole city was under a very great
concern.

15 And Alexander himself was
afraid, and desired the governor, say-
ing: I entreat you, take compassion
on me and the city, and release this
woman, who has fought with the
beasts; lest both you and I, and the
whole city, be destroyed;
16 For if Caesar should have any ac-
count of what has passed now, he
will certainly immediately destroy
the city, because Trifina, a person of
royal extract, and a relation of his, is
dead upon her seat.

17 Upon this the governor called
Thecla from among the beasts to
him, and said to her, Who art thou?
and what are thy circumstances, that
not one of the beasts will touch
thee?

18 Thecla replied to him; I am a ser-
vant of the living God; and as to my
state, I am a believer on Jesus Christ
his Son, in whom God is well
pleased; and for that reason none of
the beasts could touch me.

19 He alone is the way to eternal
salvation, and the foundation of
eternal life. He is a refuge to those
who are in distress; a support to the
afflicted, hope and defence to those
who are hopeless; and in a word, all

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those who do not believe on him,
shall not live, but suffer eternal
death.

20 When the governor heard these
things, he ordered her clothes to be
brought, and said to her. Put on your
clothes.

21 Thecla replied: May that God
who clothed me when I was naked
among the beasts, in the day of judg-
ment clothe your soul with the robe
of salvation. Then she took her
clothes, and put them on; and the
governor immediately published an
order in these words: I release to you
Thecla the servant of God.

22 Upon which the women cried out
together with a loud voice, and with
one accord gave praise unto God,
and said; There is but one God, who
is the God of Thecla; the one God
who hath delivered Thecla.

23 So loud were their voices, that
the whole city seemed to be shaken;
and Trifina herself heard the glad
tidings, and arose again, and ran with
the multitude to meet Thecla; and
embracing her, said: Now I believe
there shall be a resurrection of the
dead; now I am persuaded that my
daughter is alive. Come therefore
home with me, my daughter Thecla,
and I will make all over that I have
to you.

24 So Thecla went with Trifina, and
was entertained there a few days,
teaching her the word of the Lord,
whereby many young women were
converted; and there was great joy in
the family of Trifina.

25 But Thecla longed to see Paul,
and inquired and sent every where to
find him; and when at length she was
informed that he was at Myra, in Ly-
cia, she took with her many young
men and women; and putting on a
girdle, and dressing herself in the
habit of a man, she went to him to

Myra in Lycia, and there found Paul
preaching the word of God; and she
stood by him among the throng.

CHAPTER X.

/ Thecla visits Paul; 6 visits Onesiphor-
us; 8 and visits her Mother 9 who re-
pulses her. 14 Is tempted hj the devil. 16
Works miracles.

BUT it was no small surprise to Paul
when he saw her and the people with
her; for he imagined some fresh trial
was coming upon them;

2 Which when Thecla perceived, she
said to him: I have been baptized, O
Paul; for he who assists you in
preaching, has assisted me to bap-
tize.

3 Then Paul took her, and led her to
the house of Hermes; and Thecla re-
lated to Paul all that had befallen her
in Antioch, insomuch that Paul ex-
ceedingly wondered, and all who
heard were confirmed in the faith,
and prayed for Trifina's happiness.

4 Then Thecla arose, and said to
Paul, I am going to Iconium. Paul
replied to her: Go and teach the
word of the Lord.

5 But Trifina had sent large sums of
money to Paul, and also clothing by
the hands of Thecla, for the relief
of the poor.

6 So Thecla went to Iconium. And
when she came to the house of One-
siphorus, she fell down upon the
floor where Paul had sat and
preached, and, mixing tears with her
prayers, she praised and glorified
God in the following words:

7 O Lord the God of this house, in
which I was first enlightened by
thee; O Jesus, son of the living God,
who wast my helper before the gov-
ernor, my helper in the fire, and my
helper among the beasts; thou alone
art God for ever and ever. Amen.

8 Thecla now (on her return) found

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Thamyris dead, but her mother liv-
ing. So calling her mother, she said
to her: Theoclia, my mother, is it
possible for you to be brought to a
belief, that there is but one Lord
God, who dwells in the heavens? If
you desire great riches, God will give
them to you by me; if you want your
daughter again, here I am.

9 These and many other things she
represented to her mother, (endeav-
ouring) to persuade her (to her own
opinion). But her mother Theoclia
gave no credit to the things which
were said by the martyr Thecla.

10 So that Thecla perceiving, she
discoursed to no purpose, signing
her whole body with the sign (of the
cross), left the house and went to
Daphne; and when she came there,
she went to the cave, where she had
found Paul with Onesiphorus, and
fell down upon the ground; and wept
before God.

11 When she departed thence, she
went to Seleucia, and enlightened
many in the knowledge of Christ.

12 And a bright cloud conducted
her in her journey.

13 And after she had arrived at
Seleucia she went-to a place out of
the city, about the distance of a fur-
long, being afraid of the inhabitants,
because they were worshippers of
idols.

14 And she was lead (by the cloud)

into a mountain called Calamon, or
Rodeon. There she abode many
years, and underwent a great many
grievous temptations of the devil,
which she bore in a becoming man-
ner, by the assistance which she had
from Christ.

15 At length certain gentle-women
hearing of the virgin Thecla, went to
her, and were instructed by her in
the oracles of God, and many of
them abandoned this world, and led

a monastic life with her.

16 Hereby a good report was spread
everywhere of Thecla, and she
wrought several (miraculous) cures,
so that all the city and adjacent
countries brought their sick to that
mountain, and before they came as
far as the door of the cave, they
were instantly cured of whatso'ever
distemper they had.

17 The unclean spirits were cast out,
making a noise; all received their
sick made whole, and glorified God,
who had bestowed such power on
the virgin Thecla;

18 Insomuch that the physicians of
Seleucia were now of no more ac-
count, and lost all the profit of their
trade, because no one regarded them;
upon which they were filled with
envy, and began to contrive what
methods to take with this servant of
Christ.

CHAPTER XI.
/ Thecla is attempted to he ravished, 12
escapes by a rock opening, 17 and closing
miraculously.

THE devil then suggested bad ad-
vice to their minds; and being on a
certain day met together to consult,
they reasoned among each other
thus: The virgin is a priestess of the
great goddess Diana, and whatsoever
she requests from her, is granted,
because she is a virgin, and so is be-
loved by all the gods.

2 Now then let us procure some
rakish fellows, and after we have
made them sufficiently drunk, and
given them a good sum of money, let
us order them to go and debauch
this virgin, promising them, if they
do it, a larger reward.

3 (For they thus concluded among
themselves, that if they be able to
debauch her, the gods will no more
regard her nor Diana cure the sick

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ST. PAUL & THECLA

for her).

4 They proceeded according to this
resolution, and the fellows went to
the mountain, and as fierce as lions
to the cave, knocking at the door.

5 The holy martyr Thecla relying
upon the God in whom she believed,
opened the door, although she was
before apprised of their design, and
said to them. Young men, what is
your business?

6 They replied. Is there any one
within, whose name is Thecla? She
answered, What would you have with
her? They said. We have a mind to
lie with her.

7 The blessed Thecla answered,
Though I am a mean old woman, I
am the servant of my Lord Jesus
Christ; and though you have a vile
design against me, ye shall not be
able to accomplish it. They replied,
Is it impossible? but we must be able
to do with you what we have a mind,

8 And while they were saying this,
they laid hold on her by main force,
and would have ravished her. Then
she with the (greatest) mildness said
to them: Young men have patience,
and see the glory of the Lord.

9 And while they held her, she
looked up to heaven and said: O
God most reverend, to whom none
can be likened; who makest thyself
glorious over thine enemies; who
didst deliver me from the fire, didst
not give me up to Thamyris, and
didst not give me up to Alexander:
who deliveredst me from the wild
beasts; who didst preserve me in the
deep waters; who hast everywhere
been my helper, and hast glorified
thy name in me;

10 Now also deliver me from the
hands of these wicked and unreason-
able men nor suffer them to debauch
my chastity which I have hitherto

preserved for thy honour; for I love
thee, and long for thee, and worship
thee, O Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, for evermore. Amen.

11 Then came a voice from heaven,
saying, Fear not Thecla, my faithful
servant, for I am with thee. Look
and see the place which is opened
for thee; there thy eternal abode
shall be; there thou shalt receive the
(beatific) vision.

12 The blessed Thecla observing,
saw the rock opened to as large a de-
gree as that a man might enter in;
she did as she was commanded,
bravely fled from the vile crew, and
went into the rock, which instantly
so closed, that there was not any
crack visible where it had opened.

13 The men stood perfectly aston-
ished at so prodigious a miracle, and
had no power to detain the servant
of God; but only catching hold of
her veil (or hood), they tore off a
piece of it;

14 And even that was by the permis-
sion of God, for the confirmation
of their faith, who should come to
see this venerable place; and to con-
vey blessings to those in succeeding
ages, who should believe on our
Lord Jesus Christ from a pure heart.

15 Thus suffered that first martyr
and apostle of God, and virgin,
Thecla, who came from Iconium at
eighteen years of age; afterwards,
partly in journeys and travels, and
partly in a monastic life in the cave,
she lived seventy- two years; so that
she was ninety years old when the
Lord translated her.

16 Thus ends her life.

17 The day which is kept sacred to
her memory, is the twenty-fourth of
September, to the glory of the Fath-
er, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
now and for evermore. Amen.

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